This site is based on my daily practice of traditional Shotokan Karate-Do here in Oita City, Japan. More than anything else, unlike the majority of other karate-do websites, this page is primarily dedicated to training itself; that is, Karate-Do as a vehicle for holistic development.

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

New competition kumite clips

Last year I uploaded two clips of myself in kumite competition. The first of these was a jodan mawashi geri (upper level roundhouse kick) followed by an ashi barai (leg sweep) and finishing blow (http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=IbtN6_su3Kg); the second was scoring an ippon with a jodan zuki, which floored my opponent (http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=rcLf7RGQ-MM). Since then, I've recieved an ample amount of emails requesting that I upload more videos of my tournament kumite. Sadly I've haven't got any really good quality footage... Regardless, I've uploaded the following clips.

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Note: I've added some additional commentary (attached to the videos) on Youtube.

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(1) The first clip is of a double ashi barai followed by a gyaku zuki that downs my opponent. The first sweep 'off-balances' and 'freezes' him, and the second ensures he goes down with the punch, whilst making sure his attack impossible to launch. http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=QM_zckLv158

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(2) In the second clip, because of the distance and poor quality of this video footage, my chudan mawashi geri (middle level roundhouse kick) may not look so fast, but I'll let you decide ;-)http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=arsJwnrjvv4

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(3) In the third clip I use a right jodan mawashi geri followed by right jodan punch. The roundhouse kick made 'the gap' for an immediate straight punch to my opponents face. http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=fD5aVZMJ1LE

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(4) The forth clip is a chudan gyaku zuki which floors my opponent. Even though he quickly returned to his feet after this blow, his ability to fight was removed as he was seriously winded. http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=9ml4zX6xBFU

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(5) The fifth clip features a basic tai sabaki technique, which won Asai Sensei many matches in the early 60's. The punch to the back of my opponents neck is worth watching for, an excellent example of a finishing blow if not perfectly controlled. http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=UlZj0M_fqP0

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(6) The sixth clip is exactly the same combination as posted last year (the first link on this page). Left jodan mawashi geri, right ashi barai, followed by a kimewaza. A pretty nice ippon to wrap up a championship... http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=4SWhpQVih4Y

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I hope you enjoy the video clips, keeping in mind that I'm not, and never was, a serious 'karate competitor'. I've always trained karate as a martial art, and therefore didn't specifically practice to achieve competition 'success'. When training and fighting in tournaments, I never thought that I want to win by two wazari. I always wanted to win by an ippon. Following that mindset, my training for kumite competition was simply based on doing more kihon, thus my karate was never 'watered down' prior to attending such events.I'm really pleased that so many others also follow this 'karate way', ensuring that the 'martial art' of karate (real karate) will never become extinct.

About Me

My name is Andre Bertel. I am a New Zealand born karateka who lives in Oita City (Oita Prefecture, Japan). I've practiced the Shotokan style for many years, spending much time here in Japan, seeking to improve my skills and understanding of authentic Karate-Do. I was a student of the late Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei. While I may never reach a high level in Karate-Do, I endeavour to do my best via daily training. Furthermore, I believe in promoting the true 'traditional Budo Karate' of Japan, which has and continues to be seriously undermined worldwide: especially in the West.
I am in deep gratitude for the wonderful friendships I have made worldwide, as an instructor, and as an ongoing student of Karate-Do. Overall, Karate-Do has been my way of life, and is something I live everyday.